Benefits of Amla

In India, the amla fruit is used to rejuvenate the skin; increase red blood cell count; help heal diabetes, skin diseases and bronchitis; and tone up the heart muscles. Amla, also called Indian gooseberry, is the highest source of vitamin C. Women in India also use it to beautify and nourish their hair. Amla is one of many healing herbs used in Ayurveda, an ancient Hindu system of science of medicine.

Herbal Supplement

Amla is considered one of the best rejuvenating herbs in Ayurveda, according to the Chopra Center for Wellbeing, co-founded by best-selling author Deepak Chopra, M.D., and David Simon, M.D. It is also used to strengthen the immune system. Simon says that amla also can be used to detoxify the body. He makes an important suggestion: "Before taking any nutritional supplement, have a candid conversation with your health provider."

Hair Care

Along with being taken for nutritional reasons, amla is used to restore the hair's beauty. Since it's a natural astringent, it can be a little drying, so always follow up with a good moisturizing conditioner. Amla comes in oil and a powdered form.

Amla Powder

Amla powder is used to promote hair growth. It has a medium-brown color, like dark sand. Each time you use it, your hair becomes glossy with lots of body. Dr. Jyotiraditya Agarwal, an Ayurvedic doctor from India, wrote that amla powder prevents premature graying of hair and it is a natural hair conditioner.

Amla Oil

Amla oil works just like the powder. Apply it to your hair like any hair conditioner and let it sit for an hour. Wash your hair as usual with your shampoo of choice.

Hair Coloring

When used alone, amla doesn't provide extra hair color, but the more you use amla oil or amla powder, the darker your natural hair color will gradually get. It can be used safely along with henna and the indigo plant to change your hair color. In her free e-book, "Henna For Hair 'How To Henna,' " world-renowned henna scholar and researcher Catherine Cartwright-Jones says, "You can mix amla into your henna and indigo mix to make a cooler brown hair dye." She is referring to natural, body-art-quality henna and indigo only, not commercial hair color containing henna or indigo. She wrote about a variety of recipes using amla, henna and indigo to produce different hair colors safely.

Availability

Amla can be bought online or at a local Indian grocery store. It also can be found in some large health food stores. It's an inexpensive but valuable beauty and health item to add to your supplies.

References

• Chopra Center for Wellbeing
• International Society for Ayurveda and Health
• Henna For Hair

Resources

• Amla Benefits
• Amla and Nutrition
• Management of Diabetes